The Wrestler

If you're used to seeing life through rose tinted glasses and full of chirpy optimism all the time, you will not enjoy this movie. If you suffered a few hardships yourself, you will relate to Randy "the Ram" Robinson whether you like wrestling or not. It's not a movie about a pro wrestler's comeback and downfall, it's a movie about the joys and sorrows of life and the universal fear of growing old, getting lonely and being forgotten. If you want to see excellent acting, this is it. Mickey Rourke is at the very top of his game. At times, he had me completely believing that he was actually Randy Robinson. He wasn't playing. He became who he was playing. The last time I remember experiencing this was watching Charlize Theron in North Country and Bjork in Dancer in the Dark. If he doesn't get the Oscar for best actor there is no justice in this world. He must have worked his ass off to get in such terrific shape. Kudos to Marisa Tomei also for playing her part very well. There is not much dialogue in this movie and frankly it doesn't need it. Everything is body movement and facial expressions. The movie takes a simple guise but there is much more going on beneath the surface if you take the time to look. I loved the music too. If you remember 80's hard rock hair bands, you will love it. Scorpions, Ratt, Quiet Riot, Accept, etc. It's one of the best movies I have ever seen. I would say it's amongst my top 5. I will see it again.